Ramberto Ciammarughi

Accomplished Italian musician Ramberto Ciammarughi — a brilliant pianist and composer celebrated for his original compositions, dynamism, and improvisational talent — has worked with a variety of jazz artists over the years. The Assisi-based artists makes his solo U.S. debut with six concerts during Spoleto’s Jazz series.

The Buzz:

WHAT IS IT? Italian pianist Ramberto Ciammarughi spent time working with a variety of jazz artists, including bassist Miroslav Vitous, Steve Grossman, John Clark, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Vinnie Colaiuta, and many of the northern Italian musicians on the festival circuit. He makes his solo U.S. debut with six concerts during Spoleto’s Wachovia Jazz series.

WHY SEE IT? The pianist and composer is celebrated for his original compositions, dynamism, and improvisational talent. His experiences with classical music must have added to his terrific chops. He stole the show last year during the Wachovia Jazz series at the Cistern while playing in saxophonist Stefano “Cocco” Cantini’s combo. At one point, his solo ran the length of the keyboard, scaling in triplet phrases from the right side to left, until he literally ran out of low notes to press. Amazing.

WHO SHOULD GO? Fans of cool bebop with a Mediterranean twist, postwar Italian jazz, and followers of Monk, Brubeck, and Chick Corea.